Dave Ramsey’s Financial Wisdom From Proverbsדוגמה

Day 8: Work Diligently

Consider This: God created us to work, and we reflect His nature when we are diligent in our work.

The value of hard work was instilled in me at an early age. When I was 12 years old, my dad told me I needed to get a job. It wasn’t to get me out of the house, and he wasn’t being mean. He wanted me to discover the value of working hard and earning my own money. It wasn’t long before I found myself mowing yards all over our neighborhood.

A number of years ago, a journalist asked me, “Did you ever imagine you’d have all this?” in reference to the growth of my radio show and all that Ramsey Solutions had become. “Of course I did,” I replied. “I just never imagined how much work it would take to get here.”

When we started out over 30 years ago, I had no idea how hard building this business would be. I didn’t realize how many hours, years and team members it would take to get to where we are today.

I’ve learned to appreciate what Solomon said in Proverbs 10:4–5. I’ve worked hard, and God has blessed those efforts. Along the way, we’ve been able to help a whole lot of people. Looking back, this entire journey has been incredibly satisfying, but I’ve never been confused about whose work this is. It’s all God’s work—He just allowed me to be a part of it.

I believe God has a plan for you too. That plan includes a job, a career and a calling to do a specific type of work while you’re here on this earth. That could be a nine-to-five job, a dream that starts in your basement, or something else that only you can do. Whatever it is, your work matters to God. And there are people in the world who need what you can do.

At Ramsey Solutions, one of our core values comes from Colossians 3:23. It’s the idea of doing all of your work—whatever it is—as if you’re doing it for the Lord. When Solomon described being diligent in your work, he was simply saying you should do your work with intentionality and determination.

There’s another biblical principle in Proverbs 10:4–5: Working hard helps you plan for the future. Why? Because work creates opportunities for you to give more, earn more, save more, and invest more money. The opposite is also shown in these verses: Being lazy and not doing your work diligently leads to poverty—literally having nothing to give or save. That’s not good. In fact, Solomon said it’s disgraceful.

So, do your work diligently, but don’t lose sight of the truth that God is still sovereign and in control. He is your source of provision because He owns it all. While you work to provide for yourself and your family, remember that it’s God who blesses your work and provides for your needs.

Reflection Question: How can you best represent God in your work this week?